WATER HYACINTHS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9087, 4 March 1908, Page 7

WATER HYACINTHS.

SERIOUS DISASTER NARROWLY AVERTED. Brisbane, February 16. As a result of the heavy rains of the past week, and the consequent fresh in tbeJßrisbaue river, : large masses of water hyacinth are being swept clown from the upper reaches, and accumulating along the river banks in the neighbourhood of the city, choking up the narrow parts of the stream, thus causing considerable inconvenience to small craft on the river. The presence of the weed was responsible to-day for what might have proved a serious accident. Shortly after noon the vehicular ferry punt at Bulimba —which is worked by cables stretched across bank to bank—was being drawn across from the city side, when the weight of the hyacinths stopped her about a tlhrd of the way across, and the heavy strain brought the cables to the surface. The punt was in that position when,'the tug Greyhound appeared, piloting the A.U.S.N. Co.’s steamer Wyaudra down the stream. Captain Bedford, of the Greyhound, learning the position of affairs, swung round an informed Cajitaiu Graham, of the Wyandra, that cite ferry cables were above water. The Wyandra’s anchor was let go, and the vessel swinging with the tide, her stern struck tiro punt with considerable force, smashing the railing and bursting in the window of the engine-room and damaging one of the funnels of the punt. For a time the punt, which 'was right under the Wyaudra’s quarter, was in danger of being forced down. A large number of women and children who were aboard at the time, screamed in terror, while several youths jumped overboard and swam ashore. It was feared that the boiler would burst, but Chief-. Eugiueer-Tait blew off steam. Eventually the cables were released, and the punt swung across the river and brought up on the mud, where she was subsequently towed to her usual berth. The damage to the punt is estimated at between £3O and £4O. Tbs prompt action of Captain Graham averted a disaster.